The development came shortly after Nadler sent a letter to Whitaker saying there would be "no need" for the committee to subpoena him if he appeared before the panel as scheduled and was prepared to respond to questions.

Whitaker had agreed to testify publicly before the committee last month on Feb. 8. However, his appearance was abruptly called into question on Thursday after the Democrat-led panel voted to authorize a subpoena to ensure his appearance, in the case he declined to show up or answer certain questions by citing executive privilege.

Whitaker said later Thursday that would not testify unless the committee's chairman with the subpoena threat. "This unprecedented action breaches our prior agreement and circumvents the constitutionally required accommodation process," Whitaker said. . “Based on today's action, it is apparent that the Committee's true intention is not to discuss the great work of the Department of Justice, but to create a public spectacle.” Nadler's letter later on Thursday evening appeared to be an effort to diffuse the battle over his testimony.

"If you appear before the morning tomorrow and if you are prepared to answer questions from our Members, then you will need to submit to the subpoena on issue. or before February 8, "wrote Nadler.

" To the extent that you are fully qualified to respond to any specific question, we are prepared to act on a case-by-case basis, both during and after tomorrow's hearing, "Disadvantages added.

Whitaker's testimony Friday is expected to be explosive. Whitaker has been a flashpoint of controversy since Trump tapped him to helm the Justice Department in November, following Attorney General Jeff Sessions Jefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsTrump, Democrats clash over probes Hillicon Valley: House Intel panel will release Russia interviews | T-Mobile, Sprint step up merger push DHS cyber office hosting webinars on China | Nest warns customers to shore up password security House Intel panel votes to release Russia interview transcripts to Mueller MORE 'oust. Whitaker has been scrutinized for his past criticism of special counsel Robert Mueller Robert Swan MuellerSasse: US should applaud choice of Mueller to lead Russia probe MORE 's investigation, over which he has oversight now as the top Justice Department official

Whitaker is likely to face a barrage of questions from Democrats on his oversight of the investigation as well as his communications with the White House.

the subpoena threat, Assistant Attorney General Stephen Boyd noted Whitaker would not go into detail about his communications with President Trump Donald John TrumpIvanka Trump to lead new White House global women's empowerment initiative Father says he traveled to Canada for son's medicine that would cost K in US Clinton: Trump's decision to suspend nuclear treaty with Russia to get to Putin ' during the hearing.